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Thailand: 30 smart cities targeted to start as first proposal call launches
The government is gearing up to achieve its target of 30 smart cities in 24 provinces by next year and hopes to transform 100 cities nationwide to smart cities by 2022.
The city data platform for smart city implementation is set to launch this year, facilitating the transformation, while at least 100 e-services are expected to be provided to the public by 2022.
On Monday the government’s National Smart City Committee launched the first call for smart city proposals. The event was chaired by ACM Prajin Juntong, deputy prime minister and chairman of the committee.
ACM Prajin said building smart cities nationwide is a government priority, making existing cities smarter with modern design and smart technology.
The sectors include smart economy, smart mobility, smart energy, smart living, smart people, smart governance and smart environment.
The committee’s plan notes 10 zones in seven provinces that have already begun their transformation — Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao.
The government plans to develop another 30 smart city zones in 24 provinces in 2019, building to its target of 100 smart cities in 77 provinces by 2022.
Through digital technology and innovation, the government is determined to develop the country into a high-income nation, characterised by low development disparity, wealth distribution and quality of life.
The event on Monday included criteria and processes for smart city proposal evaluation as well as a Smart City Thailand logo. The upcoming Asean Smart Cities Network (ASCN) activities were announced in celebration of Thailand’s Asean chairmanship this year.
Once approved, smart city proposals will start the transformation process via any or all seven sectors.
Pichet Durongkaveroj, the digital economy and society (DE) minister, said the government is calling for collaboration from government agencies, the private sector, citizens and media in advancing the work of ASCN from June to August this year.
In parallel with Thailand’s Asean chairmanship, the ASCN activities hosted by Thailand will showcase the best of smart cities from 26 Asean member cities, other dialogue partners and global technology providers.
In this Asean forum, Thailand will also propose a smart city evaluation criteria and process to be used as implementation guidelines by Asean member cities.
The DE Ministry plans to hold Digital Thailand Big Bang 2019 during Oct 28-31.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1642940/30-smart-cities-targeted-to-start-as-first-proposal-call-launches